Unit Plan 33 (Grade 1 PE): Dance & Rhythm Party
Grade 1 PE dance unit builds rhythm, locomotor skills, and joyful expression as students follow simple patterns, move to the beat, and participate confidently in fun, music-based activities.
Focus: Help students explore movement expression, follow simple rhythm patterns, and show joyful participation through fun dance games and teacher-led routines.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Rhythm & Expression • Enjoyment of Movement)
Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students build confidence and joy in PE when they learn that movement can match music, rhythm, and simple patterns. In Grade 1, dance activities can help students practice running, hopping, galloping, sliding, and other locomotor movements in a playful way while also encouraging creativity and expression. This unit begins with clap and stomp rhythms and then moves into Just Dance Jr. style routines or teacher-led dances with easy-to-follow patterns. The goal is to help students feel the beat, move with growing control, and experience PE as a place for both fun and expressive movement.
Essential Questions
- How can I move my body to a beat or rhythm?
- How can dance help me practice locomotor skills?
- How can I show joy and confidence when I move?
- What helps me follow simple dance patterns with the group?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform basic locomotor skills such as hopping, galloping, sliding, and jumping during dance activities.
- Follow simple rhythm patterns and teacher-led dance movements with improving control.
- Participate actively and enthusiastically during dance and rhythm games.
- Use movement to express energy, rhythm, and enjoyment in PE.
Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S1.1a Perform basic locomotor skills (run, hop, gallop, slide, leap, and jump) with improved control and coordination.
- Example: Students travel across the gym using different locomotor movements in response to teacher cues.
- PE:S5.1a Show enjoyment and enthusiasm when participating in physical activities.
- Example: Students actively participate and express excitement during movement games.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can move to a beat or rhythm.
- I can follow simple dance patterns.
- I can use hopping, galloping, sliding, or jumping in dance.
- I can show joy and try my best during dance activities.